IUPD 2025 Open Call to host uilleann piper
Open call for applications to host an uilleann piper for International Uilleann Piping Day on Saturday 1st November 2025
What is International Uilleann Piping Day (IUPD)?
International Uilleann Piping Day is a global celebration of Ireland’s iconic musical instrument. As part of the celebrations, uilleann piping activities and events are co-ordinated and organised by Na Píobairí Uilleann and voluntary organisers around the world.
The primary aims of IUPD are to provide access and raise awareness of uilleann piping and Irish traditional music among international communities, both pipers and non-pipers.
Previous events have included activities such recitals, presentations, sessions, Try the Pipes events, piping tuition, reedmaking classes, pipes maintenance and bag making. All events take place on the same day across different time zones.
Culture Ireland Funding
For the past number of years, NPU with the support of Culture Ireland, has enabled uilleann pipers to travel to locations around the world for IUPD. This has assisted in achieving Na Píobairí Uilleann’s three primary aims of IUPD:
- To provide access and increase awareness of uilleann piping and Irish traditional music among international audiences
- To support locally organised events
- To enhance ongoing work by international groups
Culture Ireland funding puts a focus on performance and therefore all events hosting a travelling uilleann piper must include a public and free performance element ensuring local international communities have access to the uilleann pipes.
Although there is a focus on performance, event organisers can also arrange other activities such as classes, workshops, Try the Pipes or presentations as part of their events as these activities highlight different elements of uilleann piping and enhance the uilleann piping experience and knowledge of the local communities.
To see examples of previous IUPD events, visit: https://www.facebook.com/uilleannpipingday
IUPD 2025 Open Call
In 2025, Na Píobairí Uilleann is offering event organisers outside Ireland the opportunity to apply to host an uilleann piper at their IUPD event. The following are some terms and conditions for hosting an uilleann piper:
- The event must serve to raise awareness of the uilleann pipes amongst the public and include a public and free performance element
- The event must take place on Saturday 1st November 2025
- All advertising and promotion must include both Na Píobairí Uilleann and Culture Ireland logos as an acknowledgement of their support of the event
Our commitment to providing a piper is conditional on Na Píobairí Uilleann receiving funding from Culture Ireland. The number of events we can support in this Open Call will be dependent on the level of funding received.
PLEASE NOTE: Culture Ireland funding will cover only travel-related expenses, including vouched accommodation and meals. All other costs, such as those related to performances and teaching classes, are not covered by this funding.
We require the host to provide a fee of €400 to cover the main recital and follow-up session.
Any additional costs associated with classes or additional performances must be agreed directly, in advance between the organiser and the artist. The deadline for applications is Friday 24st January 2025.
